Few names in the automotive world carry the historical weight and performance credibility of BFGoodrich. When it comes to whitewall tires, BFGoodrich stands at the intersection of authentic American heritage and cutting-edge tire technology, offering enthusiasts the perfect balance of vintage style and modern reliability. Whether you're restoring a classic to its former glory or adding timeless style to a contemporary vehicle, BFGoodrich whitewalls deliver the perfect combination of iconic design and trusted performance that generations of drivers have come to rely on.
BFGoodrich's remarkable story begins in 1870 when Dr. Benjamin Franklin Goodrich established the first rubber manufacturing company in North America. From these humble beginnings in Akron, Ohio, BFGoodrich rapidly became a driving force in American tire innovation, pioneering technologies that would transform the automotive landscape.
By the 1920s, as automobiles transitioned from utilitarian machines to symbols of style and status, BFGoodrich was at the forefront of whitewall tire development. Their iconic Silvertown line, featuring distinctive broad white bands, became the gold standard for premium vehicles during America's automotive golden age. When a Cadillac, Packard, or Lincoln rolled off the assembly line with gleaming whitewalls, there was a good chance they bore the BFGoodrich name.
Throughout the mid-20th century, BFGoodrich whitewalls adorned everything from presidential limousines to family sedans, becoming synonymous with American automotive style. As whitewall trends evolved from the broad bands of the 1940s to the refined pinstripes of the 1960s, BFGoodrich consistently led in both style and engineering, establishing standards that competitors would strive to match.
Today, this storied heritage informs every aspect of BFGoodrich's whitewall tire production. While the company has grown into a global leader in performance tire technology—from off-road racing to aerospace applications—they maintain a profound respect for their historical significance in America's automotive culture. This unique combination of heritage and innovation gives BFGoodrich whitewalls their distinctive character: authentic period styling backed by modern engineering excellence.
BFGoodrich approaches whitewall design with meticulous attention to historical accuracy, ensuring their products deliver authentic period aesthetics. Their design team maintains an extensive archive of original tire patterns, marketing materials, and factory specifications dating back to the 1920s, allowing them to recreate the exact look of original equipment whitewalls from different eras.
This commitment to authenticity extends to precise sidewall profiles, accurate white band proportions for different decades, and period-correct tread patterns that satisfy even the most discerning collectors and judges. Unlike manufacturers who merely approximate vintage designs, BFGoodrich recreates specific historical models with exacting detail, down to the correct sidewall markings and construction characteristics.
At the heart of BFGoodrich's whitewall excellence is their proprietary WhiteGuard compound—an advanced rubber formulation that represents decades of materials science innovation. Unlike conventional white rubber that quickly discolors, WhiteGuard incorporates:
UV Stabilization Matrix: A network of specialized molecules that intercept and neutralize ultraviolet radiation before it can trigger the chemical changes that cause yellowing in standard white compounds.
Anti-Oxidant Package: A comprehensive blend of protective agents that prevent oxygen molecules from degrading the rubber polymer chains, significantly reducing the browning effect that affects lesser whitewalls.
Stain-Resistant Formulation: Engineered with a non-porous surface structure that resists the absorption of road contaminants, brake dust, and automotive fluids that typically cause permanent staining in conventional whitewalls.
Unlike competitors who view whitewalls purely as aesthetic products, BFGoodrich leverages their comprehensive performance tire expertise in every whitewall they produce:
Advanced Construction Techniques: Depending on the model, BFGoodrich whitewalls feature either period-correct bias-ply construction for absolute authenticity or modern radial architecture for enhanced performance, with each approach optimized for its intended application.
Application-Specific Compounds: Tread rubber formulations are carefully calibrated for different vehicle types and usage patterns, from softer compounds that deliver the distinctive ride quality expected in luxury classics to more durable formulations for regularly driven vehicles.
Comprehensive Testing Protocol: Every whitewall design undergoes the same rigorous evaluation as BFGoodrich's performance tires, including computer modeling, indoor testing, and real-world validation to ensure both period-correct appearance and reliable operation under various conditions.
The flagship of BFGoodrich's historical reproduction line, the Silvertown Heritage Series offers meticulously recreated whitewalls for concours-quality restorations and show vehicles. These tires feature:
Era-Specific Styling: Available in historically accurate whitewall widths ranging from the grand 3-inch bands popular in the 1940s to the refined 7/8-inch whitewalls of the mid-1960s, ensuring period-correct appearance for different vehicle years.
Authentic Construction: Traditional bias-ply architecture with period-correct materials and construction techniques, delivering the distinctive ride quality and sidewall profile that defined the original driving experience.
Faithful Tread Patterns: Exact reproductions of original BFGoodrich designs from different eras, from the distinctive "Safety Silvertowns" of the 1940s to the more modern patterns of the late 1960s models.
The Heritage Series is organized chronologically, with specific designs for Pre-War Classics (1930s), Post-War Luxury (late 1940s-early 1950s), Eisenhower Era (mid-1950s), and Kennedy Era (early 1960s). Each tire is accompanied by documentation certifying its historical accuracy for judged events and exhibitions.
Recognizing that many classic car owners regularly drive their vehicles, the Silvertown Radial line combines authentic whitewall styling with modern performance benefits:
Modern Radial Construction: Contemporary internal architecture with steel belts and polyester body plies, delivering significantly improved handling stability, wear characteristics, and wet-weather performance compared to traditional bias-ply tires.
All-Season Capability: Advanced tread compounds and water evacuation channels provide year-round usability, with substantially improved grip on wet roads and in light winter conditions compared to vintage designs.
Reduced Road Noise: Computer-optimized tread patterns with variable pitch technology minimize the road noise typically associated with reproduction tires, enhancing the driving experience during extended trips.
Available in period-correct whitewall widths but with modern size designations, these tires are ideal for drivers who use their classics for regular transportation or extended tours while maintaining an authentic appearance. The Silvertown Radial series has become particularly popular with car club members who participate in driving events rather than static displays.
Designed for modified classics, street rods, and custom builds, the Custom Force series offers contemporary performance with traditional styling cues:
Modern Sizing Options: Available in larger diameter fitments (15-17 inch) with lower profile series designations that complement upgraded wheel packages while maintaining whitewall aesthetics.
Enhanced Performance Parameters: Increased speed ratings, improved handling characteristics, and superior braking performance make these tires suitable for vehicles with modern engine and suspension upgrades.
Distinctive Styling Options: Beyond traditional whitewalls, this series offers custom width options, red-line alternatives, and the unique "double whitewall" design featuring twin white bands for a truly distinctive appearance.
The Custom Force collection bridges the gap between vintage style and contemporary performance, making it the preferred choice for builders who respect traditional aesthetics but demand modern capabilities. These tires are particularly popular in the restomod community, where classic appearance meets updated technology.
A specialized collection catering to historic racing enthusiasts and period-correct competition vehicles:
Competition-Focused Design: Featuring authentic racing tread patterns from BFGoodrich's competition history combined with subtle whitewall styling appropriate for vintage racing classes.
Enhanced Grip Compounds: Modern racing-derived rubber formulations that provide improved adhesion and heat resistance while maintaining a period-appropriate appearance for historical accuracy.
Authentic Racing Heritage: Based on original BFGoodrich racing tires that competed at iconic events from the 1950s and 1960s, including period-correct sidewall markings and competition designations.
This specialized collection serves the growing vintage racing community, where period correctness must be balanced with safety considerations. The Vintage Racing series has gained particular popularity at prestigious historical events like the Goodwood Revival and Monterey Historics.
Selecting the appropriate BFGoodrich whitewalls starts with understanding your vehicle's original specifications and your restoration goals:
Concours Restoration: For vehicles being restored to exact factory specifications for judged events, the Silvertown Heritage Series provides the most historically accurate options. BFGoodrich's documentation program can provide certificates confirming the tires' period correctness for your specific vehicle make, model, and year.
Driver Restoration: If your classic will see regular road use while maintaining a factory-correct appearance, the Silvertown Radial series offers the ideal balance of authentic styling and modern performance. These tires are particularly recommended for vehicles driven at highway speeds or in varying weather conditions.
Modified Classics: For vehicles with performance upgrades, custom wheels, or modified suspensions, the Custom Force series provides appropriate load ratings, speed capabilities, and sizing options while maintaining the distinctive whitewall aesthetic that complements vintage bodywork.
BFGoodrich provides comprehensive resources to ensure proper tire selection:
Vintage Size Conversion: Many classic vehicles used tire sizing conventions different from modern standards. BFGoodrich's detailed conversion charts help translate original specifications (like 6.70-15 or 7.60-15) to current equivalent sizes for accurate replacement.
Load Rating Appropriateness: Vehicle weight, especially for larger American classics, requires careful matching with appropriate load ratings. BFGoodrich recommends specific ratings based on vehicle weight, passenger capacity, and typical usage patterns to ensure safety margins.
Rim Width Compatibility: Original equipment wheels from different eras have varying rim widths that affect tire fitment. BFGoodrich provides specific guidance on minimum and maximum rim widths for each tire size to ensure proper bead seating and sidewall profile.
Your typical driving patterns should significantly influence your BFGoodrich whitewall selection:
Show and Display: For vehicles primarily used for exhibitions and rarely driven, the Silvertown Heritage Series with traditional bias-ply construction provides the most authentic appearance and ride characteristics, prioritizing historical accuracy over long-term wear considerations.
Weekend Cruising: Classics driven regularly but primarily for shorter pleasure trips benefit from the Silvertown Radial series, which maintains authentic appearance while providing improved handling, particularly during emergency maneuvers that can challenge vintage bias-ply designs.
Regular Transportation: For classics used as daily or frequent drivers, the higher-performance variants of the Silvertown Radial line offer enhanced wet grip, longer tread life, and better resistance to heat buildup during extended highway use.
Spirited Driving: Vehicles that are driven enthusiastically or have received power and suspension upgrades should consider the Custom Force series, which provides appropriate performance margins while maintaining distinctive styling. These tires offer significantly improved high-speed stability compared to standard whitewalls.
BFGoodrich's WhiteGuard compound requires specific maintenance approaches:
Recommended Cleaners: Use BFGoodrich Silvertown Cleaner, specifically formulated for their white compound chemistry. This pH-balanced formula removes surface contaminants without penetrating and degrading the rubber structure. Avoid household cleaners, degreasers, or general-purpose tire products that can cause long-term damage.
Proper Cleaning Technique: Apply cleaner with a soft-bristled brush designed for tires, using light circular motions rather than aggressive scrubbing. Allow the product to dwell for 1-2 minutes before thoroughly rinsing with clean water. For stubborn stains, a second gentle application is preferable to using stronger chemicals or mechanical abrasion.
Cleaning Frequency: Clean BFGoodrich whitewalls every 1-2 weeks under normal conditions, or immediately following exposure to heavy road grime, brake dust accumulation, or potential staining agents like petroleum products or road tar.
Preserving the appearance and structure of BFGoodrich whitewalls requires proactive care:
UV Protection: Apply BFGoodrich WhiteGuard Protectant monthly to clean, dry tires. This specialized formula creates an invisible barrier against ultraviolet radiation and environmental contaminants without the greasy appearance of conventional tire dressings.
Proper Inflation: Maintain correct tire pressure according to vehicle specifications, checking at least monthly even for vehicles driven infrequently. Underinflation increases sidewall flexing, which can accelerate white rubber deterioration and increase the absorption of contaminants.
Driving Considerations: Be particularly mindful of substances that can cause permanent staining, including fresh asphalt, chemical road treatments, and leaked automotive fluids. When encountering such hazards, clean the whitewalls as soon as possible to prevent compound penetration.
For seasonal vehicles or long-term storage situations:
Pre-Storage Preparation: Thoroughly clean whitewalls with BFGoodrich Silvertown Cleaner, allow to dry completely, then apply a liberal coat of WhiteGuard Protectant. This creates a protective barrier that prevents oxidation and contamination during storage periods.
Environmental Controls: Store vehicles in climate-controlled environments whenever possible, as extreme temperature fluctuations accelerate rubber aging. If climate control isn't available, use tire covers specifically designed for whitewalls, which block UV exposure while allowing moisture to escape.
Weight Distribution: For extended storage periods (over 30 days), either place the vehicle on jack stands to remove weight from the tires or reposition it slightly every month to prevent flat-spotting and uneven aging of the white compound.
When evaluated against other reproduction whitewall manufacturers:
Heritage Documentation: BFGoodrich's extensive corporate archives provide unmatched resources for accurate reproduction. While competitors like Coker produce quality reproductions, BFGoodrich has the advantage of direct access to original designs, manufacturing records, and institutional knowledge that informs their Heritage Series.
Sidewall Accuracy: The precise sidewall profiles and white band dimensions of BFGoodrich reproductions typically achieve greater historical fidelity than most competitors, particularly in correctly representing the subtle design evolutions that occurred across different model years.
Tread Pattern Correctness: For vehicles that originally came equipped with BFGoodrich tires, their reproductions offer exact tread pattern matching that competitors approximating multiple brands cannot achieve, a crucial detail for the highest level of concours judging.
BFGoodrich's performance tire heritage creates measurable advantages:
Wet Handling: Independent testing consistently shows BFGoodrich whitewalls—particularly their Silvertown Radial and Custom Force series—deliver superior wet braking and cornering stability compared to competitors in the same category, reflecting the company's broader expertise in performance tire design.
Tread Life: The advanced compound technology in BFGoodrich whitewalls typically delivers 15-20% greater tread life than similarly priced alternatives, with more consistent wear patterns that maintain vehicle balance and handling characteristics over time.
Ride Quality: BFGoodrich's sophisticated approach to carcass design creates more controlled flexibility characteristics, delivering either authentic vintage ride quality in their Heritage Series or refined modern comfort in their radial offerings, depending on the selected model.
The longevity of whitewall appearance sets BFGoodrich apart:
Discoloration Resistance: Accelerated aging tests demonstrate BFGoodrich's WhiteGuard compound typically maintains its bright appearance 30-40% longer than conventional white rubber formulations when subjected to identical UV exposure and environmental conditions.
Stain Resistance: The non-porous surface structure of BFGoodrich white compounds shows superior resistance to common staining agents, including brake dust, road tar, and rubber preservatives that often cause permanent discoloration in other whitewalls.
Cracking Resistance: The advanced anti-oxidant package in BFGoodrich whitewalls significantly delays the onset of age-related sidewall checking and cracking, particularly valuable for vehicles stored seasonally or driven infrequently.
The real-world performance of BFGoodrich whitewalls has earned them particular appreciation among specific enthusiast communities:
Concours Competitors: Vehicles equipped with BFGoodrich Silvertown Heritage whitewalls have consistently performed well in prestigious judged events like the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and Amelia Island Concours, where authenticity and historical accuracy are rigorously evaluated. Judges particularly note the correct sidewall profiles and period-appropriate appearance.
Driving Enthusiasts: Members of touring-oriented car clubs frequently select BFGoodrich Silvertown Radials for their combination of vintage appearance and modern reliability during extended driving events. The improved wet weather performance and reduced vulnerability to road hazards provide peace of mind during multi-day rallies and tours.
Long-Term Collectors: Owners who maintain vehicles for decades particularly value BFGoodrich's resistance to age-related deterioration. Many report their whitewalls maintaining appearance and structural integrity significantly longer than alternatives, reducing the frequency of replacement for vehicles used sparingly but preserved carefully.
Professional Restorers: Restoration shops handling premium projects frequently specify BFGoodrich whitewalls, citing their consistency, historical accuracy, and the reduced likelihood of customer callbacks related to premature aging or appearance issues. For high-value restorations, the additional investment in BFGoodrich quality represents a small percentage of overall project cost while significantly impacting presentation quality.
BFGoodrich maintains a selective network of dealers with specific expertise in classic and specialty tires:
Specialty Tire Retailers: Selected vintage tire specialists carry the complete BFGoodrich whitewall lineup, with trained staff who can provide detailed guidance on period-correct selections and proper fitment for specific vehicle applications.
Classic Car Service Centers: Many garages specializing in vintage vehicle maintenance and restoration have established relationships with BFGoodrich and can provide both product selection assistance and professional mounting services specifically tailored to classic wheels and tires.
Premium Restoration Shops: High-end restoration facilities often offer BFGoodrich whitewalls as part of their comprehensive service offerings, with direct access to BFGoodrich's technical support team for specialized applications and documentation requirements.
For specialized needs or locations without convenient dealer access:
BFGoodrich Heritage Program: This direct-order service provides personalized consultation with tire historians who can research the exact original equipment specifications for your vehicle and recommend the most historically accurate options from the current lineup.
Vintage Vehicle Registry: Owners of documented historically significant vehicles can register with BFGoodrich's archive department, which maintains records of original equipment fitments and can provide certificates of authenticity for correctly specified replacement tires.
Custom Order Service: For unusual applications or specific restoration needs, BFGoodrich offers limited custom production runs of discontinued patterns or specialized sizes, though these typically require minimum order quantities and extended lead times.
When planning your BFGoodrich whitewall acquisition:
Complete Sets: Always purchase whitewalls as complete sets rather than individual replacements, as slight variations in white compound appearance can occur between production batches. This ensures visual consistency across all tires.
Installation Expertise: Specify professional mounting by technicians experienced with whitewall tires, as improper mounting techniques can damage the white rubber or create bead sealing issues. Many authorized retailers include specialized installation as part of their service package.
Documentation: For show vehicles or historically significant restorations, request BFGoodrich's authenticity documentation, which can provide valuable support for judged events and significantly enhance the provenance of premium restorations.
BFGoodrich has a rich history with whitewall tires dating back to the early automotive era. As one of America's oldest tire manufacturers (founded in 1870), BFGoodrich was among the pioneers of whitewall technology in the 1920s and 1930s. Their iconic Silvertown whitewall became a symbol of American automotive luxury and was original equipment on many prestigious vehicles during the industry's golden age. This heritage continues in their modern reproduction whitewalls, which combine historical authenticity with contemporary engineering.
BFGoodrich whitewalls distinguish themselves through their unique combination of authentic vintage styling and modern performance technology. Their proprietary WhiteGuard compound offers superior resistance to browning and staining, while their specialized manufacturing process ensures clean, precise white bands with exceptional durability. Unlike some competitors who focus solely on appearance, BFGoodrich integrates their performance tire expertise into their whitewalls, creating products that deliver both classic aesthetics and reliable handling characteristics.
Yes, BFGoodrich's Silvertown Radial whitewalls are specifically engineered for regular use, combining vintage styling with modern performance features. These tires incorporate contemporary radial construction, all-season tread compounds, and improved wet handling characteristics while maintaining authentic whitewall appearances. For vehicles driven regularly in varying conditions, BFGoodrich whitewalls offer significantly better performance, safety, and longevity compared to purely reproduction-focused alternatives.
BFGoodrich whitewalls are ideally suited for American classics from the 1940s through the early 1970s, particularly full-size sedans, luxury cars, and mid-century cruisers from manufacturers like Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, and Chrysler. Their Heritage Series provides period-correct options for show cars and concours restorations, while their Silvertown Radials offer enhanced performance for regularly driven classics. Additionally, their Custom Force whitewalls work exceptionally well on custom builds, street rods, and modernized classics.
BFGoodrich recommends cleaning their whitewalls with their Silvertown Cleaner, which is specifically formulated to remove road grime without harming the white rubber compound. Clean using a soft bristle brush with gentle circular motions, then rinse thoroughly. Apply BFGoodrich WhiteGuard Protectant monthly to prevent UV damage and discoloration. Avoid petroleum-based cleaners, tire dressings with silicone, and automatic car wash tire cleaners, as these can cause permanent staining or yellowing of the white sidewall.
Yes, BFGoodrich whitewalls include a limited warranty that varies by product line. Their Silvertown Radial series typically carries a 36-month materials and workmanship warranty, while their Heritage Series includes a 24-month warranty against manufacturing defects. The Custom Force series includes additional coverage for uniform wear characteristics. All warranties require proper maintenance and inflation according to BFGoodrich specifications and exclude damage from road hazards, improper mounting, or incorrect application.
Yes, BFGoodrich's Custom Force series includes contemporary sizes compatible with many modern vehicles, particularly luxury sedans and specialty models. While not available in ultra-low-profile sizes used on many current production vehicles, they offer fitments for 16-18 inch wheels commonly found on modern cruisers and luxury cars. For completely custom applications, BFGoodrich's special order program can sometimes accommodate unique fitment needs for modern vehicles seeking vintage styling elements.
BFGoodrich whitewall tires represent a perfect synthesis of America's rich automotive heritage and contemporary performance engineering. Building on over 150 years of tire manufacturing expertise, BFGoodrich offers whitewalls that deliver not just period-correct aesthetics but also the reliability, durability, and performance that today's classic car enthusiasts demand. See the Full Line up of Whitewall Tires.
For concours-quality restorations, regularly driven classics, or custom builds that bridge past and present, BFGoodrich provides whitewall options that respect tradition while embracing innovation. Their meticulous attention to historical detail combined with advanced materials science creates tires that look exceptional, perform confidently, and maintain their distinctive appearance throughout their service life.
While premium pricing reflects their quality and heritage, BFGoodrich whitewalls deliver corresponding value through extended longevity, reduced maintenance requirements, and superior performance characteristics. For the discerning enthusiast who views tires not merely as consumable components but as integral elements of their vehicle's character and presentation, BFGoodrich whitewalls represent an investment in both visual distinction and driving excellence. See the Whitewall Tires Guide for all whitewall tires offerings.
Whether showcasing a meticulously restored American classic, enhancing a contemporary luxury vehicle with vintage flair, or creating a custom build that honors automotive heritage, BFGoodrich whitewalls provide that perfect finishing touch—where iconic style meets trusted performance in the finest tradition of American engineering excellence.
